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Hi, I apologize if this is a dumb question in advance.
Was at a code blue today. Normally students don't get to help out but since it was the holidays, I was glad to get involved since fewer people around.
Patient unresponsive and was known to have a implanted pacemaker. After 2 compressions, the family told us to stop because they didn't want any intervention other than an oxygen mask only. When I looked at the rhythm, they appeared to have a what I would have called PEA (narrow complex, but don't remember other than that). However, when I felt their femoral artery (and another nurse noted), they appeared to have faint, thready pulses. Does this count as a pulse? The attending pronounced the patient shortly after. Also, how does an arrest occur with a pacemaker in place? Thanks!
Was at a code blue today. Normally students don't get to help out but since it was the holidays, I was glad to get involved since fewer people around.
Patient unresponsive and was known to have a implanted pacemaker. After 2 compressions, the family told us to stop because they didn't want any intervention other than an oxygen mask only. When I looked at the rhythm, they appeared to have a what I would have called PEA (narrow complex, but don't remember other than that). However, when I felt their femoral artery (and another nurse noted), they appeared to have faint, thready pulses. Does this count as a pulse? The attending pronounced the patient shortly after. Also, how does an arrest occur with a pacemaker in place? Thanks!